Overview
- City workers painted over the popular 'Comrade never die' mural beneath the Ganeshguri flyover during a beautification drive on June 18, prompting immediate anger from fans and family.
- Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania denied the municipal corporation ordered or carried out the erasure and said the GMC lacks funds for such artwork, while officials pointed to other departments or contractors.
- Artist Marshall Baruah called supporters to the site and began repainting the portrait in the evening, with large crowds singing and keeping vigil as he worked.
- Guwahati police warned Baruah he might have to defer repainting until after July 3 because of preparations for a proposed visit by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, but the artist started restoration work regardless.
- The episode exposed unclear lines of responsibility in city beautification projects and intensified local debate over how Guwahati balances high-profile event preparations with preserving community memorials.